A consortium led by Catalyst, has been awarded Preferred Bidder Status by the Greater London Authority for the regeneration of the former Webbs Industrial Estate in Waltham Forest. This site was bought by the GLA at the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan’s instruction with the intention of it being used to deliver new, genuinely affordable homes for Londoners.

Catalyst will be working in partnership with Swan Housing Association and C.F. Møller Architects to transform the former glass lampshade and bulb factory site into 330 shared-ownership homes for first time buyers. The proposals also includes a creative hub for artisans, artists’ studios, a small park to serve new and existing residents and retail space in the heart of the Blackhorse road area.

The redevelopment of the Webbs Industrial site is an exciting opportunity for Catalyst to develop a strong strategic relationship with Swan Housing Association, and to work in a new borough – Waltham Forest.

Tom Titherington, our Executive Director of Property and Growth, said: “Catalyst’s financial strength and development record, coupled with Swan’s local market knowledge and construction management expertise offers a comprehensive approach to place-making, design and delivery. Our shared urban development experience on mixed use sites, has informed the design of the scheme which centres on an ambition to create a new and bold development in Waltham Forest, with a strong sense of character. As a long standing partner of the Mayor of London, we are committed to working in partnership with the GLA. The benefit of selecting two housing associations is that any profit is reinvested in developing more affordable housing.”

Geoff Pearce, Swan’s Executive Director of Regeneration and Development said: “This is an exciting new project for Swan and our first in Waltham Forest, which has been a Borough we have been keen to expand into for some time. The scheme attracted a record 13 bids, so we are delighted that with our partners including Catalyst Housing Association and C.F. Møller Architects, we were successful. Swan is committed to delivering more homes and this 100% affordable scheme, which will transform a long derelict site, whilst delivering enhanced public spaces and creative workspaces, is another example of how working together with our partners (including the Mayor of London, with whom we are already delivering schemes such as Blackwall Reach), we really can deliver more.”

Rolf Nielsen, Associate Partner, C.F. Møller Architects, Architect MAA ARB RIBA said: “We are delighted to be involved in this important project that seeks to provide exceptional quality of design for this ground-breaking development of exclusively affordable homes. Our approach to this project is to develop an architectural and placemaking response with the focus on designing the best possible new homes, along with a creative hub of artists’ studios, small parks and retail spaces. This is complimented by Catalyst’s and Swan’s ambitious ideas for regenerating the Webbs Industrial Estate site.”